2008
Black Sea Melodies:
See The photos
Went on a "Highlights" organised tour, well worth it. First
stop was Catherine the Great's Statue and we had a walk (through some
road works, how unlike home!) to County Hall, splendid building. Then
to the Opera House, another splendid building. Next stop the Cathedral.
A Service was going on so we kept a respectful distance and it was something
special to see the number and variety of people who were going up for
Communion. Next up was a Naval memorial (a sort of Cleopatra's Needle)
overlooking the sea. Another bonus, there was a parade of Naval Cadets,
who were passing out, and a Military Band. Not finished yet, next was
a Fine Arts Museum which contained lots of paintings by Soviet / Russian
/ Ukrainian artists. We were particularly taken by one called "The
Village" by Kolesnikov. In one particularly nice room the lady
in charge of the room indicated to Edna (by humming a Strauss Waltz
etc.) that it was the Ballroom and they ended up having a little dance.
Lots of smiles and chuckling - no words needed.
After lunch on board we went into the City again, walked up the Potemkin
Steps (192 of them). Watch out for the locals who try to give you change
for 100 euro notes. It's a scam apparently. Whether they pass counterfeit
or what I don't know, didn't wait to find out. Back to the Opera House.
Weddings are conducted in the Town Hall and then the couples have their
photos taken in the grounds of the Opera House. Beautiful brides, as
Edna said "like something out of Vogue or Brides Magazine."
Terrific day.
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